Skip to main content

Energy-Active

Latest Innovations
Poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based Microfluidic Devices: Sensors and Fuel Cells A microfluidic electrochemical reactor includes an electrode and one or more microfluidic channels on the electrode, where the microfluidic channels are covered... Read More A microfluidic electrochemical reactor includes an electrode and one or more microfluidic channels on the electrode, where the microfluidic channels are covered with a membrane containing a gas permeable polymer. The distance between the electrode and the membrane is less than 500 micrometers. The microfluidic electrochemical reactor can provide for increased reaction rates in electrochemical reactions using a gaseous reactant, as compared to conventional electrochemical cells. Microfluidic electrochemical reactors can be incorporated into devices for applications such as fuel cells, electrochemical analysis, microfluidic actuation, pH gradient formation.
Stable Pyrochlore Electrocatalysts and Nanomaterial Formed Therefrom for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acidic Media Dr. Yang from the University of Illinois has developed several stable pyrochlore based electrocatalysts that are efficient OER catalysts in acidic media, resistant... Read More Dr. Yang from the University of Illinois has developed several stable pyrochlore based electrocatalysts that are efficient OER catalysts in acidic media, resistant to corrosion, and cost efficient.
Flame Retardant Microcapsules for Batteries University of Illinois researchers have developed a method of placing flame retardant into lithium-ion batteries without impacting battery performance. This... Read More University of Illinois researchers have developed a method of placing flame retardant into lithium-ion batteries without impacting battery performance. This technology gains the same safety improvement of experiments done by others involving mixing a retardant directly into the battery without drawbacks.
Polymers for Non-Aqueous Flow Batteries Researchers from the University of Illinois have synthesized new redox active polymers for use in non-aqueous flow batteries When combined with a size exclusion... Read More Researchers from the University of Illinois have synthesized new redox active polymers for use in non-aqueous flow batteries When combined with a size exclusion membrane, these polymers can be used without significant crossover between cells allowing flow cells to increase redox active species concentration while also increasing energy density, power and efficiency.
Efficient and Inexpensive Production of Hydrogen from Tap Water Professor Gary Eden from the University of Illinois has found a remarkable way of generating hydrogen from tap water efficiently and inexpensively, using an array... Read More Professor Gary Eden from the University of Illinois has found a remarkable way of generating hydrogen from tap water efficiently and inexpensively, using an array of microchannel plasmas. This technology can be used to replace carbon-based fuels by producing hydrogen at the point of use in devices such as water heaters, ovens, furnaces, etc., basically anything that requires a flame.
Dry-Grind Corn Milling Methods and apparatus for processing corn into one or more corn products. Oil is extracted from corn or corn products or by-products with a solvent. The corn-... Read More Methods and apparatus for processing corn into one or more corn products. Oil is extracted from corn or corn products or by-products with a solvent. The corn-solvent mixture is separated into streams, one of which preferably includes an extract containing at least oil and solvent, and another containing de-oiled corn solids and adsorbed solvent. The solvent is separated from oil, and the de-oiled, desolventized corn solids are processed to provide one or more corn products.
Corn Oil and Dextrose Process Method and apparatus for processing corn into one or more corn products including dextrose. In a preferred process, corn is processed and treated with solvent(s)... Read More Method and apparatus for processing corn into one or more corn products including dextrose. In a preferred process, corn is processed and treated with solvent(s) to extract oil. The oil can be subsequently recovered using membrane technology. Zein may also be produced if the solvent is an alcohol. Starch in the deoiled meal is converted to dextrose by liquefaction and saccharification with enzymes. The reaction mixture containing the dextrose and other components is subjected to one or more unit operations such as screening, filtration, and/or membrane technology to produce one or more of corn gluten, soluble protein, dextrose, and fiber.
Dewatering Ultrafine Particulate Slurries by Forward Osmosis Dr. Rajagopalan from the University of Illinois has developed a method to dewater ultrafine particulate slurries and gelatinous slurries to produce dry mine... Read More Dr. Rajagopalan from the University of Illinois has developed a method to dewater ultrafine particulate slurries and gelatinous slurries to produce dry mine residue. This technology utilized the osmotic gradient for the directed transport of water from slurries to an osmotic agent where mechanical pressure could avoided. Under this simple, robust and low cost approach, this technology could potentially use low-pressure equipment, saline brines and low-grade heat to recover water from refuse tailings, municipal sludge or algae slurry.
Low self-discharge nano-capacitors Dr. Hubler has developed a novel design of nano-capacitors that employs Coulomb Blockade to suppress self-discharge and increases dielectric strength. Based on Dr... Read More Dr. Hubler has developed a novel design of nano-capacitors that employs Coulomb Blockade to suppress self-discharge and increases dielectric strength. Based on Dr. Hubler's research, nano-capacitors could have several orders of magnitude higher energy density than chemical batteries, but they suffer from short self-discharge time. Derived from quantum physics, this technology shows great potential to make nano-capacitors closer to real application.
Self Healing Coating Resists Seawater Dr. Paul Braun from the University of IL has developed a type of coating that uses seawater as the catalyst for increasing seawater resistance. Read More Dr. Paul Braun from the University of IL has developed a type of coating that uses seawater as the catalyst for increasing seawater resistance.

Pages